Obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. It is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to a point at which it becomes hazardous to health. It causes a decrease in life expectancy and increase in health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties during sleep, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis. 

Based on the diet we enjoy, Belize just like the rest of Caribbean countries has a huge obesity problem. For that reason, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with Belizean personality Lauren Burgess to conduct a three day workshop on July 28, 29 and 30 at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (IT VET) Building in Belize City to address challenges affecting obese women in Belize.

Lauren said that she was driven to conduct the workshop after she lost two very close family members over the last couple months. She said, “This really made me realize that being a plus size person- we are extremely susceptible to diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and other diseases.” She continued by saying that she then decided to make it a point to “eat healthy and exercise”, and now she wants to encourage others to do the same.

There are three main objectives of the workshop. The first is to identify challenges that obese women in our society are facing in terms of their health. The second is to provide an approach whereby these women address all issues surrounding obesity. The third and probably most important objective is to establish a support group whereby women struggling with obesity can share their experience and lend support to each other. The workshop will focus on promoting self-esteem, healthy eating and lifestyle and taking charge of life. The main tool that will be used is the art of drama. Participants will present skits and conduct role plays on different issues facing them.

The workshop begins each day at 9:00 a.m. with a scripture reading by Loretta Soutar. On Wednesday the topic was healthy eating and lifestyle changes, staying positive and taking charge of life and the benefit of exercise. Robyn Daly, Nutritionist from Ministry of Health, presented on healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Fitness expert, Ken Vasquez, presented Steps for Starting a Basic Exercise Program. On Thursday the topic is Mental Health and coping with pain: stress, anxiety, depression, betrayal, death, etc. This will be conducted by a mental health nurse from the Ministry of Health. On Thursday afternoon, Mapye Smith, expert on beauty, makeup and hair consultant, will present Tips and Tricks for a Simple Makeover. A dress consultant will also present on Thursday. On Friday, the focus will be on long term planning and establishment of the support group.
 
Lauren said that participants will be nominated to be president, motivational figure, etc. She said that the group will meet once or bimonthly. She said that there is strength in numbers and it is not easy to lose weight: “to lose one pound you have to walk 12.5 miles.” The support group will be a body to track progress on weight loss and discuss setbacks. Lauren said that family support is the most important factor in the fight against obesity. She said that one should join their spouse or parent in practicing a healthy lifestyle and join them on a nutritious diet.

Organizers of the workshop were hoping for 25 participants. As of Monday morning, there were already 18 women and 2 men. There will be a closing ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. The Ministry of Health plans to be a part of the support group to assist to monitor the health and weight progress of the members. The Ministry also anticipates that over time this initiative will eventually be adapted and expanded to the other districts across Belize.

The theme for the workshop is “Belizean Women Battling with the Bulge”.